Three fired OpenAI researchers issue letter warning of chilling safety effects

Three former OpenAI researchers released a joint letter on Thursday disputing the grounds of their recent dismissals and warning that the actions will create a chilling effect on internal culture. Business Insider reported that the researchers, identified as Mikita Balesni, Tomek Korbak, and Jasmine Wang, were abruptly terminated last week. According to Gizmodo, OpenAI stated that it parted ways with the three individuals for violating policies regarding the access and handling of sensitive company information, which they allegedly shared with an external AI safety organization. [1][2]

In the letter addressed to OpenAI safety committees, titled OpenAI cannot make AI safe on its own, the researchers stated that working with external third parties to address safety risks without fear is crucial. Mikita Balesni shared the document on social media. According to Gizmodo and the Wall Street Journal, the researchers expressed specific concerns about preserving the ability to monitor AI models chains of thought. [1][2]

OpenAI reached a valuation of approximately $850 billion following major funding rounds in early 2026. The company previously faced public scrutiny over internal governance in November 2023, when its board briefly removed chief executive Sam Altman over candor issues before reinstating him shortly after. [5]

Gizmodo reported that OpenAI claimed it agrees with the technical recommendations outlined by the former researchers, despite proceeding with their dismissals over policy violations. The former employees stated that current workers are now concerned that raising safety risks will lead to similar retaliation. [1][2]